History of the star: A topaz yellow star in the River, Eridanus.

The Arabic spelling for Cursa, Al-Kursi (1), "The chair" or Al Kursiyy al Jauzah, the "Chair", or "Footstool", of the Central One, i.e. Orion, formed by beta, lamda, and psi Eridani and regarded as the support of his left foot.

In the earlier astronomy of the Arabs it was one of Al Udha al Na'am, "the Ostrich's Nest", that some extended to omega¹ and omega².

The Century Cyclopedia gives Dhalim as an alternative title, undoubtedly from Al Thalim, the Ostrich; but, although used for beta by several writers, this better belongs to theta.

[Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinchley Allen, 1889]. 

The astrological influences of the constellation: According to Ptolemy all the stars with the exception of Achernar are like Saturn. Eridanus gives a love of knowledge and science, much travel and many changes, a position of authority, but danger of accidents, especially at sea and of drowning. (Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923)